FIFA has advised Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) that the decision on how to deal with suspended Vice President, Richard Kazala and Executive Committee member Blackwell Siwale, lies in the hands of FAZ Council.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Yes we have received a letter of response from FIFA and they have advised that we take the matter to the FAZ Council. Meaning, the Council will make the final decision on the suspended members,”[/perfectpullquote]
FAZ general secretary Ponga Liwewe said.
Liwewe also stated that in line with FIFA’s recommendation, the Council will have to take a decision as per FAZ Statutes.
Liwewe wrote to FIFA requesting guidelines on how to proceed with the suspensions following the Executive Committee’s failure to agree in a meeting over procedural issues pertaining to the suspensions.
Last month, FAZ President, Andrew Kamanga suspended Kazala and Siwale for “gross misconduct” contrary to the Constitution.
The duo could not account for missing funds accumulated from ticket sales, for last month’s 2018 World Cup qualifier loss to Nigeria. It is alleged that money collected on behalf of FAZ from the Head of State’s office was short of $15,000 USD.
State House opted to buy part of the stadium tickets for the fans but it was later realized that, the full amount collected to FAZ was not declared and the total believed to have been embezzled by Kazala and Siwale is $15,000.
The president informed the Council of his decision using the powers invested in him, in accordance with clause 28(2)(ii) of FAZ’s Constitution and has since filed a report with General Council, stating the charges against Kazala and Siwale.
According to a report obtained by bolazambia, Kamanga used FAZ Constitution and FIFA Statutes to draw to his conclusion.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has issued an investigation into the “gross conduct” case after it received information of financial mismanagement, warranting any involvement. ACC will have to first determine whether the alleged crime is under its jurisdiction.
On the contrary, FAZ announced last month that it would back former FAZ President, Kalush Bwalya for the FIFA Council membership bid. In an issued letter, the domestic football body recommended Bwalya to run for a role in FIFA’s Council following a directive that he should be nominated at all costs, according to Zambia Reports.
Bwalya reportedly accepted an $80,000 bribe from disgraced former FIFA presidential candidate, Mohammed bin Hammam despite claims that the money was a debt on behalf of FAZ. However, allegations state otherwise with little to no proof of accountability in FAZ’s books.
Nevertheless, the appointment will not come without scrutiny. The 1988 African Footballer of the Year will have to pass an integrity test at FIFA before he can make the ballot, scheduled at the next FIFA congress in Bahrain’s capital, Manama on May 11.
Like the suspended duo, Bwalya is also under investigation by ACC.
Featured Photo: Richard Kazala (L) one of two members serving a suspension on corruption charges. Meanwhile, former FAZ President, Kalush Bwalya has been backed for the FIFA Council membership (ZAMFOOT)
